Refuge Depot

02/26/2026

02/22/2026

Saviours' Day 2026, Sun, Feb 22, 2PM
We Must Make Our Community A Decent & Safe Place to Live
https://media.noi.org/video/saviours-day-2026-sun-feb-22-2pm

02/19/2026

No longer a Sci-Fi movie: China's autonomous "soldier robots" are reported to be military ready and on the battlefield within two years, setting a course for a new age of AI-powered warfare which one expert called "the greatest danger to the survival of humankind."

02/19/2026

When an emergency hits, your "brain fog" is real. Stress can make it impossible to remember the essentials, let alone the sentimental items. Having a pre-made Evacuation List isn’t just about being organized—it’s about staying calm when every second counts. ⏳

🎒 The "5 P’s" of Evacuation

If you have to leave in a hurry, focus on these five categories to ensure nothing vital is left behind:

1. People & Pets: Everyone accounted for, including leashes, carriers, and 3 days of pet food.
2. Papers: Birth certificates, passports, insurance policies, and hard copies of emergency contacts.
3. Prescriptions: A 7-day supply of medications, eyeglasses, and medical records.
4. Pictures: Irreplaceable photos or small mementos that can’t be replaced by insurance.
5. Personal Computer: Hard drives, chargers, and any devices containing sensitive data.

💡 Pro-Tips for Your List

* Go Digital: Store a copy of your list (and photos of your documents) in a secure cloud folder.
* The "10-Minute Drill": Could you get everything on your list into the car in under 10 minutes? Practice it once a year.
* Location Matters: Keep a physical copy of the list taped inside a kitchen cabinet or near your "Go Bag."

> "It’s better to have a plan and not need it, than to need a plan and not have it."

Have you checked your emergency bag lately? Drop a "✅" in the comments if you’re prepared, or ask a question if you’re just getting started!

02/19/2026

Ready to take control of your food supply? 🥬 Starting a garden is the ultimate move for self-sufficiency. Whether you have a backyard or a few balcony pots, here is your beginner-friendly guide to planting by the seasons.

🥗 Phase 1: The Early Spring Hustle
These crops love the "chill" and can handle a light frost.
Vegetables: Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Peas, and Radishes.
Best Time to Plant: 2–4 weeks before the last frost.
Ideal Weather: Cool days (45∘F to 65∘F).

Pro Tip: If the ground isn't frozen, you’re good to go!
☀️ Phase 2: The Summer Surge
Heat-loving heavy hitters that provide the bulk of your calories.
Vegetables: Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers, Zucchini, and Beans.
Best Time to Plant: Late spring/Early summer (once the soil is warm).
Ideal Weather: Consistent sun and heat (70∘F+ nights).

Pro Tip: Don't rush these! Cold soil can stunt their growth for the whole season.
🍂 Phase 3: The Autumn Encore
The "second summer" for a final harvest before the ground freezes.
Vegetables: Carrots, Beets, Broccoli, and Garlic (for next year).
Best Time to Plant: Late July to August.
Ideal Weather: Warm days with cooling nights.
Pro Tip: Carrots actually get sweeter after the first light frost!

3 Golden Rules for Beginners
Sun is King: Most vegetables need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight.
Drainage Matters: Don't let your plants "sit in wet feet"—make sure your soil or pots drain well.
Start Small: It’s better to have a thriving 4x4 garden than a dying half-acre!

Which vegetable are you most excited to grow this year? Let me know in the comments! 👇

Growing Food at Home: A Practical Guide for First-Time Gardeners is a clear, empowering, and down-to-earth introduction to growing your own food—no experience required.
This book was written for everyday people who want to prepare for the coming famine, take control of what they eat, save money in the face of increasing food inflation, and reconnect with the land, whether they have a backyard, a small yard, or just a bit of space to work with. It breaks gardening down into simple, manageable steps that remove the intimidation and replace it with confidence.
* https://amzn.to/49U7PQE
* https://refugehaven.gumroad.com/l/GrowingFoodatHome?layout=profile
* https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/3127716836e3c812/1c4c594ef96f8c58

02/19/2026

🌸 Empower Yourself: Women’s Self-Defense Workshop in Dayton! 🌸 https://forms.gle/x2Ze2HUwoKGzinRo9

Ladies, this is your time. Come build your confidence, sharpen your awareness, and learn real-world self-defense skills in a safe, supportive space.

📅 Date: March 19th
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: College Hill Community Church
1547 Philadelphia Dr, Dayton, OH 45406

This class is designed for women of all ages and fitness levels, no experience needed. Bring a friend, wear something comfortable, and get ready to learn how to protect yourself, set boundaries, and move with confidence.

✅ Practical self-defense techniques
✅ Awareness and prevention strategies
✅ Encouraging, judgment-free environment

✨ Spots are limited—comment, message us, or sign up today to reserve your place!

02/18/2026

Don’t toss that "trash" just yet! Before you head to the garden center for expensive plastic trays, take a look in your recycling bin. Some of the best seed-starting containers are already in your kitchen, and they're completely free.
Here are five easy ways to repurpose household items to get your garden growing:
1. Egg Cartons (Paper or Styrofoam)
These are the perfect size for starting small seeds like peppers or herbs.
* The Hack: Poke a small drainage hole in the bottom of each cell.
* Pro Tip: If using paper cartons, you can cut the individual cells apart and plant them directly into the ground once the seedlings are ready—the paper will eventually decompose!
2. Toilet Paper or Paper Towel Rolls
If you want to avoid "transplant shock" for sensitive roots (like beans or peas), this is your best bet.
* The Hack: Cut the rolls into 3-inch sections. Make four small vertical slits at one end and fold them inward to create a bottom. Fill with soil and plant!
3. Yogurt Cups & Sour Cream Tubs
These are durable and can be reused for several seasons.
* The Hack: Give them a good scrub with warm soapy water and poke 3–4 drainage holes in the bottom.
* Bonus: Use the lids as individual drip trays to keep your windowsills dry.
4. Rotisserie Chicken Containers
Looking for a "mini-greenhouse"? The clear plastic lids on rotisserie chicken or bakery containers are perfect for trapping heat and moisture.
* The Hack: Use the bottom for your pots and click the clear lid into place to create a humid environment that speeds up germination.
5. Newspaper Pots
If you’re feeling crafty, you can fold old newspaper into sturdy little square pots.
* The Hack: Wrap a strip of newspaper around a small jar, fold the bottom over, and slide the jar out. Like paper egg cartons, these go straight into the soil when it’s time to transplant.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever used to start seeds? Let us know in the comments! 👇


Get your garden supplies: https://amzn.to/49U7PQE
https://refugehaven.gumroad.com/l/GrowingFoodatHome?layout=profile
https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/3127716836e3c812/1c4c594ef96f8c58

I made this amazing video with CapCut. Tap the link to try it out! https://www.capcut.com/tv2/ZThXtRbCN/

02/18/2026

Don’t toss that "trash" just yet! Before you head to the garden center for expensive plastic trays, take a look in your recycling bin. Some of the best seed-starting containers are already in your kitchen, and they're completely free.
Here are five easy ways to repurpose household items to get your garden growing:
1. Egg Cartons (Paper or Styrofoam)
These are the perfect size for starting small seeds like peppers or herbs.
* The Hack: Poke a small drainage hole in the bottom of each cell.
* Pro Tip: If using paper cartons, you can cut the individual cells apart and plant them directly into the ground once the seedlings are ready—the paper will eventually decompose!
2. Toilet Paper or Paper Towel Rolls
If you want to avoid "transplant shock" for sensitive roots (like beans or peas), this is your best bet.
* The Hack: Cut the rolls into 3-inch sections. Make four small vertical slits at one end and fold them inward to create a bottom. Fill with soil and plant!
3. Yogurt Cups & Sour Cream Tubs
These are durable and can be reused for several seasons.
* The Hack: Give them a good scrub with warm soapy water and poke 3–4 drainage holes in the bottom.
* Bonus: Use the lids as individual drip trays to keep your windowsills dry.
4. Rotisserie Chicken Containers
Looking for a "mini-greenhouse"? The clear plastic lids on rotisserie chicken or bakery containers are perfect for trapping heat and moisture.
* The Hack: Use the bottom for your pots and click the clear lid into place to create a humid environment that speeds up germination.
5. Newspaper Pots
If you’re feeling crafty, you can fold old newspaper into sturdy little square pots.
* The Hack: Wrap a strip of newspaper around a small jar, fold the bottom over, and slide the jar out. Like paper egg cartons, these go straight into the soil when it’s time to transplant.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever used to start seeds? Let us know in the comments! 👇

02/18/2026

Refuge Depot Shopify RefugeDepot https://www.refugedepot.com is committed to equipping the Black community with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to thrive in the face of adversity. Follow!

Most preppers will spend hours debating calibers, generators, and bug out vehicles…

But won’t spend 5 minutes planning for menstrual hygiene.

If you are serious about long term preparedness, this is not optional. In a grid down situation, running out of basic hygiene supplies can lead to infections, stress, and completely avoidable health problems.

This topic is rarely discussed in the prepper space and it's not optional. Preparedness means planning for everyone in your household. Not just the gear you think is cool.

Take a look at this infographic and ask yourself: is this covered in your preps?

02/16/2026

This map shows the percentage of people living in poverty in each U.S. state.

02/15/2026